Back to my best

30-year-old Stuart Lacey from Manchester always thought he was on the ‘big side’, but a lifestyle of going out drinking and binging on junk food lead to a noticeable weight gain in his 20s. He joined his local Slimming World group and lost 3st 10lbs*.

“It got to the stage where I didn’t want to leave the house. I cancelled plans and wouldn’t go to friends’ parties. I knew I wouldn’t enjoy myself as I'd be too self-conscious about my weight.

"I spoke to my brother who lives in Leeds and he mentioned that he'd been to a Slimming World group near him, and that he'd lost a couple of stone eating pasta and potatoes. I thought he was bonkers – how could you eat pasta and still lose weight? It sounded like something I'd be interested in so I went on the website and found my local group.

A warm welcome greeted me, and as I sat down for the new member talk, I remember thinking that I'd found the right place to lose weight. I left group feeling determined to go away and get stuck in… so I did.

“I remember half way through that first week I honestly thought that I'd go back to group and put on weight – I'd never eaten so much delicious food! But I did lose weight, and that was my motivation each and every week – to continue to eat healthier and not deny myself my favourite treats like chocolate and beer – and here I am, nearly 4st lighter!

"I used to be that kid in school who'd fake being ill to skip PE, but since losing weight I’ve found that I really enjoy running. I’ve done a couple of park runs and I'm taking part in a 10k race soon.

"It’s not just the change in my physical appearance, but my mental wellbeing too. I’m in such a good place and the difference is incredible. I finally feel like I’ve accepted myself and wanting that change for myself has made me a much stronger person. I now believe in myself and it’s made me not scared to try new things and really push myself. I feel like a new, better version of myself and I’m excited for what the future holds for me.”

*Weight loss will vary due to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose.

*Weight loss will vary due to your individual circumstances and how much weight you have to lose